How many times have you been told to drink a hot cup of lemon tea? It is one of the most widespread infusions, especially among the elderly and it is easy to understand why.
All kinds of beneficial properties for health are attributed to lemon tea. In fact, experts in natural medicine recommend it to prevent illnesses, such as colds or flu, due to its high content of vitamin C. However, the benefits are much more!
Health benefits of lemon tea
The truth is that we love the famous lemon tea. It has an acid point that complements very well with honey or with other herbs/roots such as mint or ginger. In addition, its extensive benefits for the body invite you to taste it regularly.
Increase defenses
Did you know that a lemon provides approximately 83 mg of vitamin C? In other words, 92% of the recommended daily dose! Remember that vitamin C plays an important role in the health of the immune system, in addition to contributing to the production of collagen and the absorption of iron.
So now you know: if you want to keep colds, flus and other ailments at bay, lemon tea may be the best option.
It is diuretic
As you read, drinking an infusion of lemon can help you eliminate excess fluids from your body. Does fluid retention bother you? Do you want to lose weight? Incorporate this drink into your regular diet.
Lowers blood pressure
One of the most widespread natural remedies among those who have high blood pressure is to drink water with lemon or a lemon infusion. Why? Different studies indicate that the potassium content of this citrus fruit would help reduce blood pressure.
Antimicrobial properties
Currently, it is very common to find recipes for natural products to clean the home based on lemon. This happens due to its supposed antimicrobial properties that would eliminate germs from surfaces by contact. Is this true?
If it is a citrus fruits, such as lemon or orange, have antimicrobial activities; that is, they act as inhibitors of bacteria such as Lactobacillus curvatus, L. sakei, Staphylococcus carnosus and S. xylosus.
Antioxidant effect
Vitamin C is a substance with antioxidant potential; that is, it fights against free radicals to avoid the damage caused by oxidative stress. This can end up triggering all kinds of diseases ranging from cardiovascular to Alzheimer’s and even cancer. In addition, it acts by preventing premature aging. Need even more reason to drink lemon tea?
protect the heart
Consuming the recommended daily doses of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, reduces the risk of coronary heart disease. A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that consuming vitamin C-rich fruits and green leafy vegetables protects against heart problems.
Reduce the cholesterol
Another way that lemon tea takes care of your heart is through lowering blood cholesterol, since high cholesterol is one of the great risk markers for coronary heart disease.
Helps lose weight
By removing excess fluids and adding fiber to the diet, it helps fight constipation and, in turn, helps with weight loss. On the other hand, lemon polyphenols act on enzymes related to metabolism, speeding it up. What are you waiting for to drink lemon tea?
Antibiotic properties
Lemon skin has antibiotic and antiviral properties that can be used through its infusion to, for example, combat sore throats, oral bacteria and other similar discomforts.
How to prepare lemon tea
What we like most about this infusion is that it is waste-free. As you read, you can prepare it with lemon wedges or only with its peel after having used the pulp or juice for other recipes.
Ingredients :
- 1 lemon
- 2 cups of water
- optional: honey
Elaboration :
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Wash the lemon well and cut it into slices or wedges.
- Add it to the water and lower the heat.
- Let cook for 5 minutes.
- Turn off the heat, cover and let sit for 3 more minutes.
- Strain and drink. You can sweeten with honey if you wish.
Lemon tea is a good option to drink during the winter (and even throughout the year) to keep the immune system strong and take care of the body as a whole.